It was only when she had made a special and earnest attempt to
really know the girl that she learned the truth.
No one can act wisely in the dark, and before passing judgment upon the
indifferent girl who may try one's soul, he should know whether in the
thwarting of all her desires, the denial of the right to follow her
natural inclination for work and service, lies the explanation of her
indifference.
Many times the girl who _seems_ indifferent, is so only on the outside.
She has developed more as a boy develops and does not wish to reveal her
best self, nor even in the least degree her deeper feelings. She hides.
When things are very serious or pathetic she sometimes laughs half
nervously. She looks out of the window, at the ceiling, whispers to her
neighbor or assumes the most disinterested, superior air possible if she
is at all impressed. When one sees her alone, it is a great surprise to
discover a new girl who is by no means indifferent, who has thoughts and
can express them when other girls are not there to listen. Her
indifference is not a serious matter, is usually of short duration and
is explained by the attitude of self-sufficiency which manifests itself
in the teens.
The girl really indifferent to _everything_, unless she be ill, does not
exist. There is a point of contact, a line of interest.
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